[Kartbuilding] Plans for a Lawnmower Powered Go-Kart - Finished

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Drew,

Sorry for the slow reply. I've been very busy with work the past two 
weeks.
Anyways, I had the exact same problem as you to begin with! I had 
difficulty starting the engine without the blade and thought it acted as a 
flywheel. It was as if the engine "kicked back" when I pulled the starter 
cord. Was this the same for you?

I did try bolting on weights to act as a flywheel. After trial and error, 
I realised that I did not need the balance or flywheel at all! Starting 
the engine just needed a good firm pull to get it going.
My advice to you is to persist with it. The Briggs and Stratton engine 
should start fine without the blade. You could remove and clean the spark 
plug to make sure the engine is firing cleanly.

Let me know how it goes.

Best of luck,
-steve



On Sun, 13 Dec 2009, Drew Bottar-Dillen wrote:

>
> Hey Steve,
>
> Sorry I still haven't gotten around to sending the pics.  I am doing this project in small steps whenever I have time.  One serious issue I came across today (this may make or break the project) is how to get that mower engine started without the blade on the end.  The blade on this B&S engine acts as a flywheel.  Without it- the engine does not start.  Any ideas here?
>
> Thanks-
> Drew
>
>
>
>> Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:31:54 +0000
>> From: sburke
>> To: andncarolina
>> CC: kartbuilding
>> Subject: Re: Plans for a Lawnmower Powered Go-Kart - Finished
>>
>> Hi Drew,
>>
>> Thanks for your comment on the kartbuilding blog. Its good to hear that
>> you got the wooden frame all made.
>>
>> Yes! Finding wheels and axles can be a bit of a problem.
>> What I done, was to use a diameter 13mm steel bar for the axle, and I
>> filed/ground down the ends of the axle to 10mm. I found that the inside of
>> a small bicycle wheel would *just* fit a 10mm diameter bar. It wasn't the
>> strongest and did break once on me, but it worked. What I suggest is that
>> you get a small axle and if need be file the ends of the axle down to 10mm
>> so the wheel will fit on. You might have to get a 10mm drill bit and
>> enlarge the hole in the bicycle wheel. Make sure not to weaken the wheel
>> too much.
>>
>> As the axle is supported inside the Wooden holder (
>> http://www.kartbuilding.net/Lawnmower_Powered_Wooden_Go-Kart_Plans/front-axle-assembly.html
>> )
>> it would be possible to use a small size axle (10mm or 13mm).
>>
>> What is the size of the hole in the bicycle wheels you have at the moment?
>> What size metal bars do you have for the axles? You should be able to get
>> it working.
>>
>> I do agree. I wouldn't go buying wheels either as it does defeat the
>> purpose a little.
>> Yes! Please do email on some photos of your progress and the wooden frame.
>> I made these type of karts years ago, and alas I didn't think to take any
>> photos myself at the time. I can put the images up into the kartbuilding
>> gallery to help others. See:
>> http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/OtherPeoplesKarts/high-school-bogey/
>>
>> Best of luck,
>> -steve
>>
>>
>> On Wed, 25 Nov 2009, Drew wrote:
>>> New comment on your post #61 "Plans for a Lawnmower Powered Go-Kart - Finished"
>>> Author : Drew
>>> Comment:
>>> Hi-
>>>
>>> I started building this kart back in October.  I have the entire wooden frame built, but I'm having some problems finding bicycle wheels with hubs that are wide enough to fit the thickness of the axles required to support the heavy frame.  I have considered buying wheels/axles/tires for the kart online, but I feel like that kind of defeats the purpose of specifically finding plans that use bicycle wheels.  Please email with any additional relevant information!  I'd also be happy to send photos of my progress (the wooden frame is totally finished, all with free lumber from my neighbor).  Thanks for your time!
>>>
>>> -Drew Dillen
>>>
>
> _________________________________________________________________